2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Toyota bZ4X: Battle of Small EV SUVs!
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Toyota bZ4X Review
Toyota competes against our favorite little electric SUV and outperforms our expectations.
We approach every comparison test with an open mind, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was the clear favorite in this electric SUV competition between it and the more recent Toyota newer bZ4X. Since it has already defeated its corporate cousin, the sleek Kia EV6, in a comparative test, it is presently our top selection among electric SUVs in our Ultimate Car Rankings. It turned out that we were correct about which EV would win but incorrect about the reasons why. We discovered two really practical electric vehicles, each with a unique set of advantages.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Toyota BZ4X: The Gamers
The Ioniq 5 is the first car from Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq subbrand, and it is a talented and stylish EV. Although the bZ4X is Toyota’s first contemporary battery-electric vehicle, the Mirai FCEV (an electric car fuelled by a hydrogen fuel cell instead of a battery) has been on the market since 2016. We believed it was fair to compare the bZ4X to the finest in the field given our experience.
We chose top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive cars for our comparison. Our Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD cost $55,920 more since it included a set of extra floormats. The top trim level of the bZ4X is also known as Limited, and the cold-weather package, premium radio, spoiler, and extra-cost paint added $52,050 to the list price of our test AWD EV.
Are These Electric Hatchbacks or Electric SUVs?
Despite being marketed as small sport utilities, both cars blur the distinction between an SUV and a hatchback. Both are only a few inches shorter in length and almost the same breath as Toyota’s popular RAV4. However, compared to the RAV4, the roofline of the BZ4X is 2 inches lower, and that of the Hyundai is 2 inches lower still. From behind the wheel, it makes sense why they seem more like cars than SUVs because both carry their batteries under their bellies, raising their floor height. The eye-catcher of this pair is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Its stylish 1980s hatchback design was influenced by Hyundai’s first mass-produced car, a horribly unreliable rustbucket known as the Pony; despite these dubious origins, it received much praise: Throughout our test drive, we observed people giving the Ioniq 5 thumbs-up and smiling. Due to the Toyota’s subpar soundproofing, we occasionally heard the praises as well. With its aggressive, grille-less appearance and a rakish roofline that is evocative of Toyota’s Venza, the bZ4X is attractive enough in its own right. Even if the black fender surrounds are dubious, they certainly distinguish the bZ4X from other vehicles—or they would if the Toyota didn’t resemble the Subaru Solterra so much.
Underneath the BZ4X and the Ioniq 5
We prefer the way Hyundai’s interior was redesigned for electric vehicles. Hyundai gave the Ioniq 5 a fully flat floor since there is no need for a centre tunnel to store driveshafts or exhaust pipes. As a result, there is no centre pedestal where front passengers can bang their knees. It has a clever design that brings to mind bench-seat sedans and minivans from the past. The entertainment system has a clear learning curve, and the control arrangement is very simple. However, the instrument panel requires some time to decipher. The interior also offers a lot of storage space. The Ioniq 5 is not a vehicle for people who never read the fine print.
The Toyota, though, is pleasantly straightforward. The simplicity of the bZ4X’s controls and displays, despite the dash being entirely digital, is its defining characteristic, or at least it is after you get acclimated to the driving position. The instrument panel of the bZ4X blurs the distinction between a conventional gauge panel and a head-up display since it is situated close to the windshield and is intended to be seen over the steering wheel rim rather than through it. Although it took some getting used to, after we did, we actually quite loved it.
The rear seats of both vehicles are spacious, but the Toyota’s seat cushion is excessively short and rests too near to the floor. Despite having a shorter roofline, the Hyundai’s back seat is positioned higher and is orders of magnitude more comfortable. It also has plenty of headroom and its full-length sunroof lets in lighter than the BZ4X’s twin-pane kind.
Only the Ioniq 5 features a sliding rear seat to switch between passenger and baggage space, although both vehicles provide around 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. Both automobiles concentrate their electrical control equipment behind the hood, therefore neither has a real frunk. Although Hyundai has a rudimentary storage compartment up front, it is too tiny to be really useful.
Frequently asked question
What is the Hyundai Ioniq comparable to?
The greatest direct competition for the Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, respectively, comes from the venerable Toyota Prius and plug-in Prius Prime. The greatest direct competition for the Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, respectively, comes from the venerable Toyota Prius and plug-in Prius Prime.
Does Ioniq 5 have self-driving?
The Ioniq 5 from Hyundai boasts a longer battery life and several self-driving features, such as Level 2 autonomous driving. A Level 2 autonomous driving system is one of several brand-new features offered by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric car.
How much does a bZ4X cost?
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X SUV is a brand-new electric vehicle with a range of up to 252 miles and a size resemblance to the RAV4. The starting price is $42,000.
Tags: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Toyota bZ4X, 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2023 Toyota bZ4X Review, all-wheel-drive cars, Electric Hatchbacks, electric Ioniq, electric SUV, electric vehicle, Ioniq 5 features, Kia EV6, newer bZ4X, stylish EV, Subaru Solterra, Toyota's popular RAV4, Toyota's Venza, Ultimate Car
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